• Bandar D Alrehaili, Samar F Miski, and Fahad M Alzahrani.
• From the Pharmacology and Toxicology Department (Alrehaili, Miski), College of Pharmacy, Taibah University; and from the Pharmacy Practice Department (Alzahrani), College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Al Madina Al Munawara, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Saudi Med J. 2024 Jul 1; 45 (7): 731740731-740.

ObjectivesTo assess the prevalence of anabolic steroid use and the level of knowledge on anabolic steroids among the male athletes in Al Madina Al Munawara, Saudi Arabia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on male athletes randomly selected from the private athletic centers in Al Madina Al Munawara over 5 months. Data were collected from all participants using a self-administered anonymous questionnaire with 33 questions. The questionnaire covered the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants, and their knowledge, attitudes, and use of anabolic steroids.ResultsOf the 150 male athletes surveyed, 121 completed the questionnaire (response rate: 80.6%). Over half were aged between 18 and 23 years (56.2%) and were single (79.3%). Thirty-two percent reported using anabolic steroids, mainly to increase muscle mass, following coaches' advice (46.1%). Key sources included the internet (30.7%), coaches (30%), and friends (27.9%), and non-healthcare professionals. The top motivations were price, coach's/physician's advice, and availability. The perceived benefits included increased muscle mass, strength, and endurance, while the perceived adverse effects included kidney/liver damage and sexual problems.ConclusionOne-third of the male athletes surveyed used anabolic steroids, influenced by accessibility and social contact, rather than healthcare guidance. This highlights the need for greater awareness of the long-term health risks, ideally through education provided by sports medicine specialists.Copyright: © Saudi Medical Journal.

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